War veterans have welcomed the news that memorials to their fallen comrades are to be made part of a refurbishment programme.

WAR veterans have welcomed the news that memorials to their fallen comrades are to be made part of a refurbishment programme.

Representatives from many of the armed forces associations around the borough were at the Civic Centre, in Uxbridge, on Friday.

They had been invited by the Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor Brian Crowe, to help mark Veteran's Day, held nationally every year.

It was also the moment Mr Crowe chose to announce the launch of his new Civic Pride Programme - the first part of which is refurbishing and enhancing many of the 93 war memorials registered in Hillingdon.

He said: "I am delighted to be launching this programme, which is particularly apt on Veteran's Day when we commemorate and remember all of those who have and who are serving their country.

"War memorials are an important reminder of the courage and dedication of all service personnel, and those who have so tragically lost their life in conflicts all over the world."

Among the memorials in line for a spruce-up are the main ones of Eastcote, Harefield, Northwood, Ruislip, Uxbridge and West Drayton, as well as the Polish War Memorial on the A40.

Bernard Roberts, 87, representing Eastcote Royal British Legion, served in the 1st 8 Middlesex Regiment and was stationed in Egypt, the Middle East and Italy - winning a host of medals - and has helped raise £31,700 for the annual Poppy Appeal.

He said: "What the Mayor is doing is a damn good idea and it's about time action like this was taken.

"It is not lost on the younger generation what people did in the wars, and at a time when our Government is failing to support our troops I think we should all take more pride in our service men and women."

Wing Commander Hugh Smith, acting station commander of RAF Northolt, added his support and said: "We are acutely aware of our history going right back to 1915, when the air force was shooting down Zepplins over London.

"The veterans are the living embodiment of that history and I think it is vital we continue to remember the sacrifices they made."